The Guardian (Nigeria)

Gunmen kill four in Rivers community

- From Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt

FOurperson­s were reportedly killed on Monday night, with two of them beheaded by gunmen who invaded Rundele community in Emohua Local Council of Rivers State.

The Guardian gathered that the two whose heads were severed belonged to a local vigilante group in the community, known as Rundele Security and Peace Advisory Council ( RUSPAC).

It was learnt that the hoodlums also killed two members of Emohua Local Vigilante Security Services ( EMOVIS) in the council A community source, who pleaded anonymity, said the victims were taken unawares as they were attacked while they were sleeping.

The source said the hoodlums killed and abandoned the RUSPAC members’ bodies, while their decapitate­d heads were displayed at the “Station” area in the community.

The two beheaded victims were identified as Endurance and Aboy.

The killings were coming less than one week after the Paramount Ruler of Rundele

Clan, His Royal Highness, Damian Ejiowhuo, Eze Rundele N’ogbo II was recognised, and issued staff of office by former Governor Nyesom Wike.

The Paramount Ruler of the community, His Royal Highness ( HRH) Eze Damian Ejiowhuo , who confirmed the incident, declined further comments on the issue. The Councilor representi­ng Rundele Community at the Emohua Legislativ­e Assembly, Emenike Wokama promised to get back to the reporter, but never did at press time.

Meanwhile, residents of

Rundele community have called on the Paramount Ruler and other stakeholde­rs to restore peace to the area and ensure the killers are arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.

When contacted spokespers­on for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe- Koko, said, the clash was cult related.

She said the Commission­er of Police, Nwonyi Polycarp, has ordered tactical units to be deployed to the area with a view to arresting the perpetrato­rs while investigat­ion is ongoing.

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